Wichita eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1886-1890, 1887-06-30
WHOLESALE HOUSE.
A Man Who Worked His Scheme Slowly, But
Got There all the Same.

Mr.. J. l. Martin, of Baltimore, Maryland.
The first few days he spent in the city he sue
cessfully warded off all attempts of real es-
tate men and others of an inquisitive nature
to find out what he intended doing in the
city. 1t was difficult task even to gain
his opinion of the city. Finally he accepted
an invitation from an East Douglas avenue
real estate rustler to be shown the city. He
was introduced to the different sections and
listened contentedly to the boom chat for
Wichita, and would scarcely allow himself
to seem to be favorably impressed with the
city.
The following day he was offered a ride
by another real estate gent. The
same was accepted, and when seated in
carriage he suggested two sections he wished
to visit They of course took in the rounds,
and when at these two points, Mr.. Martin
showed considerable interest in discussing
the facilities offered by each from business
standpoint He never suggested, however,
any special business, but talked in a general
way.
Last Saturday, Mr.. Martin introduced
himself to the owner Of four iots on Wash
ington avenue, near Division street He in
an easy manner inquired for prices. The
same was given, and he seemed to think the
figures Just little elevated. He showed
enough interest, however, to cause Tue
owner to suspicion he had buyer. MIR.
Martin finally left him without accepting his
offer. In about an hour after his
departure he returned, when the owner
made him an offer, which was accepted.
When he had received the deed he was bet
ter prepared to talk about his plans. Mr.
Martin is connected with large wholesaling
hardware esta blishment in his city and some
weeks ago. as representative Of the compa-
ny, started west to visit number of western
cities for the purpose of looking over the
facilities for starting similar enterprise. He
had visited Lincoln, Neb., AtchisOn, Kansas
City, Topeka and then came to Wichita. He
had intended to visit Pueblo, but reaching
Wichita he said this city was good enough
for him, and he acted accordingly. Il never
saw a town in my life that suited me as well
as Wichita" he said ''The other towns
have visited, of course, are more lively than
our eastern cities, but they cannot compare
with Wichita. l was in no haste about
arriving at a decision. In fact, l tried to do
all the thinking myself until l decided to
ocate here. l would go away from fellows
who would commence to pump me full of
BOOM l wanted to think for myself.
studied the territory to be supplied by
Wichita; the railroad facilities for supplying
that territory; the city's present and future,
and it was simply impossible for me to 60
away without taking permanent steps"
Mr. Martin left Monday evening on his re-
turn trip. He told a gentleman that the
company would erect on the ground build
ing having front of not less than seventy
five feet and probably one hundred feet front
and one hundred and thirty feet deep, and
three stores high. He feared it was impossi
BILE to get the building completed and stock
here in time to commence with the fall trade
but they would get here as soon as possible
| He will return in q few days or another mem
Der of the company to take definite step:
concerning the erection of the building.
Before leaving Mr.. Martin gained an as
surance from some of the railroads to run
switches to the building, which gives hin
good railroad facilities. In fact he investi
gated that subject before making the pur-